Local traditions and culture in Hawaii (Big Island)

You might see flowers, leis, and sacred native plants left at certain natural sites around the island, like here at Halema'uma'u Overlook on the southern part of Crater Rim Drive. This is one of the most active volcanic sites in the world, an appropriate place to honor the power of nature. These sites are considered sacred by native Hawaiians, and they leave offerings to their gods and spirits like people do at altars sometimes. This particular crater is the home of Pele, the Hawaiian fire goddess.

I want to tell you a story about Madame Pele. She is the Goddess of fire who makes her home in the Kilauea Crater. When angry she vents it by spitting fire and lava, thus creating the Hawaiian Islands. Wow, thats one peeved chick! She is able to take human form and usually appears before an eruption as either a beautiful young woman or as an old hag with a white dog. She is usually seen at night up on Saddle road trying to hitchhike. Be kind and polite because she expects to be treated well. You can usually appease the firey Pele with bottles of gin (she use to like ohelo berries) but her tastes have definitely changed!

Here in the US, it's common to find a copy of Gideon's bible in your hotel room. This allows all travelers a chance to continue their spiritual enlightenment, even when away from home. Here in Hilo, other idealogies exist, and it is shared with us. In our room, we found a copy of the Bible as well as a copy of the Teachings of Buddha. You know what? It worked. During this time of conflict in my life (recovering from our accident and the trauma of the injuries) I found many words of hope in those pages. When I returned home, I ordered my own copy...to continue on my path to enlightenment.

As you drive past the miles of black lava fields that stretch further than the imagination, little white rocks pepper the darkness. These rocks, bone white in color, gathered miles away, brought to this barren location and strategically placed into position to tell the innermost desires of thier creators. Who loves who, who was here, who is no longer here...it's all recorded in this local form of "grafetti."

It is considered rude and bad luck to disturb these messages.

Some of the best time in Hawaii was spent meeting the local people.
Besides selling their wares (and it's much cheaper and finer quality we found than buying in a store), if you happen across a fellow, such as the one pictured here, or a gal selling leis or beads, chances are they're bored and willing to talk and tell stories.

We got excellent "Inside Tips" to local restaurants this way, as well as secluded beaches that other tourists did not Know about.
We also learned alot about customs and folklore. People in Hawaii are extremely friendly people. Take the time to meet some!

One of the most interesting things to see while on the Big Island is the "Island Graffiti" that runs along highway 19 from Kona to Kohala Coast. These are all "written" with white coral and leave a striking image in one's mind with the juxtaposition between the black lava rock and the white coral stones.

There are many types of messages left ranging from memorials to loved ones who have died, marriage proposals, proclamations of love as well as messages to people passing by. It has been around for ages and people are generally good about not disturbing the messages or taking rocks to make their own message. The residents ask that the white coral not be harvested or moved from the beach.

The photo shows our message we left on Kiholo Bay beach....we did NOT take our white stones away from the beach or farm it from the ocean as this is illegal. We only used coral stones that were already on the beach and the message was left on the same beach. No harm no foul. Sort of like building a sand castle when the tide comes it it will reclaim it to its natural state.

At lunch time the locals heads to their favourite places for a plate lunch. It' can be a deli, food stall or an other place that serves meals and usualy contains of a couple of scoops of rice the ever appearing macaroni potatoe/salad a some kind of meat usualy chicken, pork or a mixed plate with both.

When traveling around the island at lunch time, look for a place where the locals stops or ask someone where in the area there's good plate lunches avaialable.

Have a look at my Food of the Big Island travelouge for more plate lunches.

About 20% of the state of Hawaii's population is made up of native Hawaiians and an important segment of that group advocates restoring Hawaii to its status as an independent nation. Another portion of this population is fighting for some lands to be returned as ancestral homelands, much like the arrangements Native Americans have on the mainland. Their arguments are based on the way Hawaii was coopted by American agricultural elites who toppled the monarchy and pestered the United States government into annexing the islands. Their current concern is the plight of today's Hawaiians, who are economically disadvantaged compared to other ethnic groups in the state. Of course, some of them may just want casinos -- after all, Hawaii is the only state in which no form of gambling is legal -- not even the lottery.
Anyway, one of the customs of Hawaiian nationalists is to fly the state flag upside down. If you see this, it is not a mistake.